Considering the political, social and cultural charge of 1991 and 1992 — the Gulf War, dissolution of the USSR, the LA, Grunge — 1993 was a bit of a ghost. It just sort of came and went.

By now alternative rock had come into its own and taken control of the airwaves and MTV. The only bands capable of thwarting the grunge uprising were on the verge of self-destruction and wouldn't last beyond a half-rate punk rock cover album released later in the year.

The ubiquitous hard rock landscape could no longer be taken for granted. If your passion hadn't burnt out with the excess of the Eighties, you had to look for it. Fortunately, Guitar World — albeit not impervious to the changing of the guard — was still a sure bet for true guitar enthusiasts (i.e. guys who soloed still appeared on the cover).

Although 1993 might not have been a banner year for guitar albums, the six-string elite — and four-string; this was the year Guitar World began including bass tabs with every transcription — were still here and still making noise.

1 of 12

Guitar World Magazine Covers Throughout The Years: 1993

AC/DC had ceased being a band, and became an institution. Their live shows were the stuff of legend, although not without occasional folly. Said Angus Young, "I've had my pants fall off. All of a sudden my wedding tackle was out there for all to see. "

After 25 years, Pink Floyd had pushed nearly every boundary a progressive rock band could. Guitarist David Gilmour took Guitar World's Alan Di Perna through an expansive history of the band, concept albums, concept films, elaborate stage productions and breakups all included.

Although grunge was at the forefront, industrial metal had etched out a notable spot in the ranks of alternative rock. In a roundtable discussion, Guitar World talked with industrial rock pioneers Helmet, Sepultura and Ministry.

Talking to musicians is not as easy as one may think -- just ask my girlfriend. And it's especially hard talking to one as outspoken as Living Colour's Vernon Reid. So Guitar World enlisted help from the father of progressive rock guitar, Robert Fripp, who conducted a provocative interview with the sensational Reid.

Some matches seems so perfect, one has to wonder why no one thought of them earlier ... or why they don't last. The later was such the case with Coverdale and Page. Their collaboration, Coverdale/Page, was a commercial and critical success when it came out in March of '93, but the duo fared less well on the road and the partnership dissolved by year's end.

MTV's Unplugged series was all the rage during the early to mid-nineties. Of course, classic rockers like Neil Young and Eric Clapton had been practicing and perfecting this art on their own for years. Guitar World caught up with the guitarists in this issue which also includes a list of the 35 Greatest Acoustic Albums.

Anthrax released Sound of White Noise in 1993. The album represented a first and last for the band's lineup. It was the first album with former Armored Saint lead singer John Bush, who'd replaced long-time vocalist Joey Belladonna. It was also their last studio album with lead guitarist Dan Spitz. Despite the personnel changes, Sound of White Noise was a hit for Anthrax, debuting at No. 7 on the Billboard 200.

Heroes have heroes, too. In this issue of Guitar World leading metal axemen Dave "The Snake" Sabo and Dimebag Darrell meet their inspiration, Ace Frehley. Although Frehley's disdain with his former Kiss bandmate's was reaching it's acme, he was gracious enough to acknowledge his influence. "It's flattering to know that I've had such an impact."

For many, Passion & Warfare seemed an insurmountable feat of electric guitar wizardry, but Steve Vai isn't one to rest on his laurels. In 1993 he was back with a new lead singer -- Devin Townsend, who appears on the cover with Vai -- and a new album Sex & Religion.

In case you haven't notice, Guitar World loves retrospection. In the October issue, we compiled a devoted history to classic rock. We also love lists, thus we included a list of the 25 most influential albums of all time. One might call this a "classic" Guitar World issue.

At the time, it was hard to tell -- but yes, by 1993 the golden age of shred was, in fact, dead. It is, however, difficult to see the forest through the trees, so Guitar World asked the foremost expert on all things shred, Joe Satriani, his thoughts on the then-current state of rock.

Jimmy Page's second Guitar World cover of the year was in honor of Led Zeppelin Box Set 2, released in September. In his typical polite English fashion, Page commented on all things Zeppelin, and offered instruction for the first time for many of the band's most popular songs.